Boy names

Alexander has been in a Top 25 boys' name in the US for 30 years now. But namers are still attracted to its imposing historic pedigree.

Beckett is one of the big baby name hits of the decade.

One of the trendiest of the new two-syllable boys’ names that have swept the country in the past few years, including the rhyming Aidan, Caden, Kaden, and Jaden. It's been falling on the US Top 1000 lately but it is still among the most popular contemporary English names for boys..

Brayden is the top spelling of one of the epidemically popular rhyming cousins of Aiden, hitting the Top 100 in 2005.. It has dipped a bit recently, but is still widely used. Other popular spellings include Braden, Braeden, Braydon, Braiden, Braedon and Bradyn. Take your pick.

Camden is a surprise hit, probably as a result of some star baby cred: it has been chosen by no less than four celebrity parents since 2012. Gentle but not flimsy, Camden could be an updated spin on Cameron, Callum, or Caden.

This cousin to Colton, a very widely used name, never matched its popularity and is now losing ground.

Connor, the appealing name of an early semi-legendary king of Ulster in Irish mythology, sits firmly in the Top 100 and taken together with its alternate spellings would rank even higher. In its native Ireland the Conor version is one of the highest charting boys’ name.

Davis is a fresh way to say David. Some sources define it as "son of David," but we see it as a surname spin on the original. While David is an everyman name, Davis has some creative edge -- and still gets you to the classic guy nickname Dave.

Declan is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Deaglán. St. Declan was one of the first missionaries to bring Christianity to Ireland, preceding St. Patrick. Originally from Wales, he founded the monastery of Ardmore in Ireland.

One of the first of the appealing Irish surnames to take off in this country, this boys’ name has long outgrown its "Mellow Yellow" association, which came via the single from a sixties singer-songwriter named Donovan.

Donoven is a masculine name representing a modern spelling variation of the more traditional Donovan. With Irish Gaelic origins, it derives from the surname Ó Donndubháin, meaning 'descendant of Donndubhán,' where Donndubhán combines 'donn' (brown) and 'dubh' (dark), essentially meaning 'dark-haired chieftain.' This alternative spelling with an 'e' gives the name a contemporary feel while maintaining its Celtic heritage. Donoven carries musical associations through folk singer Donovan Leitch who popularized the name in the 1960s. While less common than the traditional spelling, Donoven appeals to parents seeking names with established history but distinctive presentation. The name conveys strength and artistic sensibility while offering the friendly nickname options Don or Donny.

Emmerson is a masculine name of Germanic origin meaning 'son of Emery' or 'brave and powerful.' Originally a surname derived from the medieval given name Emery (from Germanic elements 'amal' meaning 'work' and 'ric' meaning 'power'), it transitioned to first name use following the surname-as-firstname trend. The name gained moderate popularity in English-speaking countries in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, appealing to parents seeking strong traditional names with contemporary style. The spelling variation Emerson connects to American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, adding intellectual and literary associations. While traditionally masculine, Emmerson has seen some use for girls, particularly with the nickname Emmy. The double 'm' spelling distinguishes it slightly from the more common Emerson variant.

Emmit is a masculine name that serves as a variant spelling of Emmett, which originated as an English surname derived from the feminine given name Emma, with Germanic roots meaning "universal" or "whole." This spelling variation maintains the strong, straightforward character of the original while offering a slightly streamlined form. Emmit gained modest popularity in the United States during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, though it remains less common than the traditional Emmett spelling. The name carries a warm, approachable quality with its soft consonants and clear pronunciation. Many parents are drawn to Emmit for its combination of traditional appeal and contemporary feel, making it a versatile choice that works well across different ages and personalities.

Ethan is a name that succeeds in being at once classic and fashionable, serious and cheery, strong and sensitive. Given a big boost via the name of the Tom Cruise character in the Mission Impossible film series, Ethan has fallen from its peak at Number 2 in 2009 and 2010, but is still popular in the US along with several other countries.

Ezekiel used to be reduced to its nickname Zeke, but modern parents now embrace it in full for its power and dignity. Along with biblical brethren Asher and Ezra, Ezekiel is rising steadily up the popularity charts and is poised to take over for fading first wave Old Testament choices such as Zachary.

Felix is one of those ancient but nontraditional names for boys that have come into favor over the past few decades, a favorite of parents who want a masculine name with history and heft that breaks ranks with the standard Franks and Freds. Felix is also an international darling, ranking in the Top 100 in several European and English-speaking countries.

An undiscovered patronymic surname, Gibson blends the cool, rugged feel of names like Bridger, Riggs, and Hudson with the clunky charm of names like Gilbert, Wilbur, and Digby. Associated with the popular brand of guitars, it could make an unexpected, music-related option.

Well used in England and Scotland since the fifties, the smooth and sophisticated Graham is catching on here.

Griffin is one of the newer and most appealing of the two-syllable Celtic surnames. In English, griffin is the name of a mythological creature, half eagle, half lion. It re-entered the list in 1983 after an absence of 75+ years.

An ancient name that's been used by the Norwegian royal family; still popular there but not likely to appeal to many American parents.